Sanitation & Hygiene

Global Handwashing Day 2012

October 17, 2012

Every year on October 15th, people across the world take the time to focus on one of the best disease prevention practices: proper handwashing techniques. The simple act of properly washing one’s hands can prevent the spread of disease and infections, especially if done after using the bathroom, as one gram of human feces can potentially contain around 10 million viruses and 1 million bacteria. While we might not take the time to reflect on the impact of what, for many, is a deeply ingrained habit, the truth is that the practice of properly washing hands may save more lives than any vaccine. Because of this simple act can prevent so much sickness, the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing created an awareness campaign that asked children and schools to turn every 15th of October into Global Handwashing Day. Participants are asked to teach proper handwashing methods and encourage children to adopt this habit. By teaching the newest generation the importance of hygiene and sanitation there can be a brighter future, where one generation passes on the habit to the next. Water Missions International-Haiti, in support of the 5th anniversary of Global Handwashing Day, took the time to celebrate the event on Sunday, October 14th. The WMI-Haiti staff handed out soap and a small bottle of hand sanitizer with each distribution of safe water. By the end of the day, 200 hand sanitizers and 250 soaps were given out to the communities of Haiti.

Everyone who came to WMI-Haiti on Global Handwashing Day was served with safe water and given soap and hand sanitizer to encourage proper handwashing technique.

Julio, Haiti Country Director, and a member of the Haiti staff prepare boxes with soap and sanitation to pass out on Global Handwashing Day. While Water Missions International wholeheartedly endorses Global Handwashing Day, the staff of Water Missions International-Haiti especially recognize the need for proper sanitation in light of the recent cholera outbreak. On behalf of the communities they serve, Water Missions International-Haiti would like to express its sincere appreciation to all who help support those in need in Haiti. Are you up to speed on proper handwashing technique?

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